Every once in a while, life hands you an awesome opportunity that you just cannot turn down. For me, that happened this winter when one of my dearest friends in the world asked me to be a bridesmaid at her wedding this summer. Obviously, I agreed.

Now, some would find this daunting — it’s not just wearing a pretty dress, you know. There are duties one must uphold as a bridesmaid that go above and beyond. It’s like being a quality wingman, Barney Stinson style.

There’s the usual — you’re expected to make a great speech, and help jump-start the dance floor. You’ve also got to help in the planning process, making phone calls and booking appointments.

Even if the bride is in control and seems to have everything plotted out months in advance, there’s a lot you can do just by being enthusiastic. That’s where you come in.

Basically, you have to help throw the best party of your friend’s life, the party to end all parties and cement the hopeful promise of this marriage.

Do your research

While not every bride is a ‘Bridezilla,’ it’s still no excuse for a bridesmaid to slack off. The goal is to help ensure the bride enjoys her wedding and ends the day with memories that will last a lifetime — period.

Now, I’ve never been a bridesmaid before so I did a bit of research to make sure I was on top of my game. Sheila Orchiston of Rare Earth Weddings, and Briar Johnston of Epic Events were kind enough to share some advice with me on how to make sure the big day goes off without a hitch.

Both Orchiston and Johnston will be in Vancouver this Saturday and Sunday for the 36th Annual Wedding Fair at the Westin Bayshore.

Getting unconventional

According to Orchiston, whose company specializes in destination weddings on the West Coast, gone are the days of traditional weddings and banquet hall receptions. Many couples now opt for non-traditional ceremonies and receptions, and because of that, it’s important for family and friends to recognize the couple’s vision and dream.

“They’ve chosen you to be there,” she said of bridesmaids and groomsmen, adding it’s important to ensure the focus is always on the main couple. Orchiston noted this is especially important when it comes to opinionated parents and best friends.

As the couple nears their big day, Johnston said communication is absolutely key. Whether there is a wedding planner involved or not, it’s important that all the major players know what’s going on, where they need to be and at what time.

The owner and principle planner of Epic Events said ensuring all members of the wedding party have seen and have been emailed a copy of the day’s itinerary is an easy way to make sure everyone’s on the same page.

“I encourage brides to send emails to all the key players because when the day arrives, the key players all act as hosts to the wedding guests,” Johnston said, adding guests often ask the bridesmaids and groomsmen for answers to logistical questions about the ceremony and reception.

Mentally prepare

Above all, Johnston said it’s important for the couple and their planning team — whether that’s a professional planner or the members of their wedding party — to be mentally prepared. The draining emotions of a wedding day can often be overwhelming and unforeseen factors can easily throw someone off.

“You can plan, plan, plan for a gorgeous outdoor wedding — if that’s what your heart desires — but you never know what elements you’ll be facing on your wedding day,” she cited as an example. Having a realistic back-up plan and being mentally prepared can mean the difference between lifelong memories and the possibility of tears.

Bring on the Wedding Fair

With those tips in mind, I am steeling myself against the forces of nature – that is, the hoards of brides, bridesmaids and moms that will be at this weekend’s 36th Annual Wedding Fair at the Westin Bayshore Hotel in downtown Vancouver. If you’ve never been, I’m telling you it is both madness and a blessing in disguise.

The fair features dozens of vendors, and you could literally book every single aspect of a wedding over the course of a single weekend if you wanted. Tickets are $20 each in advance, $25 at the door. You can find more info and tips on how to survive a wedding fair at www.weddingfair.ca.

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